A Must-Read for Brides Having a Resort Wedding! Important Tips for Hosting the Reception and After Party on Separate Days*

2016.10.10 published

Is it okay to hold the reception and after party on separate dates???

Most weddings in Japan typically hold the reception and after party on the same day. It's common to start the after party a few hours after the reception ends. However, there may be couples who want to or have to hold the reception and after party on separate dates...

Examples of Holding Reception and After Party on Separate Dates*

What circumstances do couples who hold their reception and after party on separate dates typically have??

The most common reason for holding them on separate dates is a resort wedding.＊ When you have a ceremony with only close guests in resort locations like Okinawa, Guam, or Hawaii, there might be another wedding party after returning home.

Other reasons include couples who hold their ceremony and reception in their hometown and then an after party inviting only friends at their current place of residence.

@nagisa_marry

In general, it seems that the main reason for holding the reception and after party on separate dates is that the locations where the ceremony & reception and the after party are held are far apart.

It's not preferable to hold them on separate days...!

However, unless there are compelling reasons, holding the reception and after party on separate days can be costly and time-consuming, and guests might think poorly of the couple. Therefore, if you do decide to hold the reception and after party on separate days, here are some points and precautions to keep in mind.*

[Precautions for Holding Reception and After Party on Separate Days]* Avoid inviting the same guests.

The first point to be cautious about is not to invite the same guests to both the reception and the after party.＊ While it may be acceptable for family, for friends and colleagues, it can be a burden to dress up and pay twice, which can feel rather inconsiderate...

[Recommendations for Holding Reception and After Party on Separate Days]* Keep the After Party Casual.

Since the reception has already taken place, it's recommended to make the after party a more casual event, like a “wedding announcement party.”♡ Since the after party will mostly involve friends, it’s important not to make it too formal.

[Attractions of Holding Reception and After Party on Separate Days]* You can show photos from the ceremony & reception.

This can also be considered a benefit of having the events on separate days, as you can display many photos from the ceremony & reception at the venue of the after party and include them in an opening movie!♡ Guests are likely curious about how the ceremony and reception went, so they would appreciate it!

Still, if possible, hold the reception and after party on the same day...♡

How was it? We have introduced precautions, recommendations, and benefits for couples who want to hold the reception and after party on separate dates due to reasons like a resort wedding. Nevertheless, it is ideal to have the reception and after party on the same day to wrap up your BIG DAY in one go!♡ If you must hold them on separate dates, plan with careful consideration to minimize the burden on your guests.*